Ancient Coins 8/13 - Littleton Coin Company

How to Read Ancient Roman Coin InscriptionsDOMITCAESAVGIMPGERMPMTRP XVIMPCAESDOMITAVGGERMImperator (victoriousgeneral), received uponaccessionCaesar. Inherited nameof the Julian family(Julius Caesar). Usedby later emperors todesignate heir.Domitianus, ruler’sname.Augustus, title of theemperor.Germanicus, a titlehonoring militaryvictories in Germany.Silver Denarius portrait coin of DomitianWhile not entirely realistic, coin portraits visually identified theemperor. The inscription not only named the current ruler, butalso proclaimed the legitimacy of his authority.Crowns were originally a mark of honor for those whohad distinguished themselves in battle. The crownworn on imperial coins is one of the many ways ofidentifying the denomination and possible date of issue.PMTRP XVPontifex Maximus.Highest priest. Thehead of state religion.Tribunica Potestate.Tribune of the people.Each renewal indicatedby numerals.Laureate: Emperor wears a wreath of laurel,oak or ivy branches. Most common crown infirst 350 years. It frequently distinguishessingle denominations.Radiate: Spiky crown associated with sun-god Sol,primarily used on double denomination coinslike Antoninianus and Dupondius (after A.D. 64).Diadem: A band of metal or cloth, oftendecorated, used extensively starting withConstantine the Great.8 How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins